6:46 PM,
Aug. 31, 2013

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford

Written by

Detroit Free Press Staff

The Lions weren't as bad as last year's record, and they probably weren't as good as their playoff appearance in 2011. So where does that leave them this fall? In the middle of the pack like a lot of teams in the NFL, capable of making a playoff run if their stars stay healthy and they catch a few breaks, and capable of finishing below .500 if they don't. Ultimately, Matthew Stafford's play will determine how far the Lions go. He'll put up monster numbers again as long as Calvin Johnson's around, but he needs to carry the offense on his shoulders for the Lions to go to the ...